Nicolette Ghirxi dies in fatal Swatar stabbing
Fatal Swatar stabbing death of Nicolette Ghirxi – Obituary
Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, was fatally stabbed early Monday morning in her Swatar apartment. The suspected perpetrator, Edward Johnston, her former partner, was later killed by police in St Julian’s after brandishing a replica gun.
Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa confirmed that Ghirxi and Johnston, aged 50, had recently ended their relationship. Despite no prior reports of violence between them, Ghirxi had previously lodged harassment complaints against Johnston. She reported him for harassment in April and again in May due to unwanted emails.
In June, Ghirxi also reported slanderous online posts and suspected Johnston was responsible. Despite being offered a risk assessment, she declined, believing she was not in danger.
The families of both Ghirxi and Johnston have been notified of the incident. Friends and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over her death. Graziella Grech, a friend and former colleague, described Ghirxi as a “truly beautiful soul” and praised her as a dedicated leader and animal lover. Christine Chetcuti mourned the loss of a “dear childhood friend,” reflecting on their shared memories and expressing heartbreak over the senseless violence.
A friend recalled Ghirxi’s previous relationship with a Maltese man and expressed disbelief at the news. Lawyer Georg Sapiano remembered her as a kind and professional individual, noting her enthusiasm for a Coldplay concert she had been looking forward to.
In response to the tragedy, HSBC announced the closure of its Rabat branch, which Ghirxi managed, due to “unforeseen circumstances.” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola condemned the violence, stating that “Nicolette Ghirxi should be alive today” and calling for action against violence towards women.
Ghirxi’s death marks the second such case this year, following the murder of Sandra Ramirez in Sliema.
Fatal Swatar stabbing death of Nicolette Ghirxi – Obituary Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, was fatally stabbed early Monday morning in her Swatar apartment. The suspected perpetrator, Edward Johnston, her former partner, was later killed by police in St Julian’s after brandishing a replica gun. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa confirmed that Ghirxi and Johnston, aged…
Fatal Swatar stabbing death of Nicolette Ghirxi – Obituary Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, was fatally stabbed early Monday morning in her Swatar apartment. The suspected perpetrator, Edward Johnston, her former partner, was later killed by police in St Julian’s after brandishing a replica gun. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa confirmed that Ghirxi and Johnston, aged…